Connector installation station for compact semi-automatic cable assembly system

Abstract

Apparatus for installing connectors onto flat conductor cables. An improved installation station including the apparatus includes magazines for supporting a plurality of connector portions and a transport station to sequentially move them includes magazines for supporting a plurality of connector portions and an transport station to sequentially move the connectors from the magazines to the installation station. The installation station includes surfaces for retaining cables in a horizontal plane and a press having an avil and ram for coupling connector portions to the cable and to each other. The surfaces are spring biased and include abuttment surfaces for proper positioning of the cables.

I claim: 
     
       1. In apparatus for installing connectors, each connector having connector portions including a body portion and a cover portion, to flat cables having multiple electrical conductors separated by, and encased in, electrically insulating material, said apparatus comprising a frame, magazines on said frame adapted to support a plurality of body portions and cover portions respectively, and a transport station to sequentially move connector portions from said magazines to an installation station, an improved installation station comprising: platen means for supporting a cable in a generally horizontal plane, said platen means including two movable platens laterally offset from each other with a space therebetween to allow the passage of a connector portion therepast, each of said platens having a first end at said space and a second end pivotally connected to the frame of the apparatus, said platens having a home position in said horizontal plane; and   means for allowing independent movement of said platens from said home position to an angled connector installation position comprising vertically movable platen first end guides and means for biasing said guides to position said platens at said home position, each guide having a cable abutment surface and means for supporting a platen first end whereby said platens are maintained in said horizontal home position by said first end guides, said biasing means and said pivotally connected second ends and are individually movable from said home position by vertically depressing said guides against said biasing means thereby allowing said platens to pivot at said second ends and said first ends to be moved from said horizontal plane to said connector installation position.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said two platens each include a separate support surface disposed in said horizontal plane and said platens are laterally positioned on opposite sides of the location where connectors are coupled to the cables. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said support surfaces has, in association therewith, an upstanding vertical component constituting an edge guide for the cable supported on said support surfaces.